Hi there, mamas and papas! As you may know, I love to travel. But I can definitely attest from the past few decades that it gets harder with six kids in tow. Just like a good set of packing cubes makes travel easier, though, the right travel crib is a great accessory for families on the go. So I’ve put together my list of the best travel cribs.

Now, you might be wondering, do you need a travel crib? Well, it’s not indispensable. Hotels, for example, will often provide you with one. But what about weekend trips to see relatives? And what hotels provide is not always satisfactory. After all, we often bring our own hairdryers to avoid using the hotel one, so understandably we might want something safe and comfortable for our kids to sleep in.

Best Baby Travel Cribs

1. Babybjörn Travel Crib Light

$299

• Best travel crib overall
• Weighs 13 pounds and has one-hand setup
• Easy to manage, though heavier than some of the competitors

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Babybjörn can always be relied on for a quality product, and this Babybjörn travel crib is no exception. I’ve made it my top pick because it combines a number of good features into a reasonably priced package. It weighs in at just 13 pounds, and can be set up in a single move!

Parents love how easy this crib makes travel. It folds into a compact carrying case, and it’s so easy to lift in and out of cars, trains, and airplanes. The mattress is super comfy too, although fitted sheets are not included. You won’t regret buying this crib.

2. Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard

$55

• Best affordable travel crib
• Comes with signature Graco one-hand fold
• Not the most beautiful crib, but does the job well

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I’d say this is the best economical crib that you can buy! The Graco Pack ‘n Play has the signature Graco one-push fold that collapses it easily. Although it won’t win any beauty contests, it has a durable frame that will last.

Parents appreciate that it does the job well, though note that one cannot attach accessories like a bassinet to it, and the mattress is a little on the thinner side.

3. Guava Lotus Travel Crib

$229

• Best portable travel crib
• Folds into a light, ergonomic backpack
• Comes with a side door

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This Guava Lotus crib is perfect if you’re looking for a backpack crib. It folds into a compact, ergonomic backpack that you can easily toss over your shoulders and in and out of baggage bins. Or, at only 11 pounds, it won’t add too much to your checked bags.

But what I like most about this crib is a feature that I haven’t seen on many travel cribs, despite its utility. It incorporates a mesh side door that can be opened for cuddling or playing with your baby. That’s a win for me as a mom, since I both love the greater ease of intimacy with my child and the greater ease of soothing them.

4. Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

$133

• Lightest travel crib
• Folds into a yoga mat-like piece
• A little difficult to assemble

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If you’re looking for the lightest possible travel crib, then definitely consider the Phil & Teds Traveller Crib. This crib beats all the others for weight, coming in at a mere six (!) pounds. On top of that, it rolls up to about the size of a yoga mat. So this will fit easily into overhead compartments or your checked bags.

This crib also has the feature of the side door. Its main disadvantage is that it comes with polls that it needs to be assembled with, but note that that’s the price of such a compact crib. That is the main complaint of parents, so you’ll want to consider the trade-off of weight versus function.

5. Nuna Sena aire Travel Crib

$375

• Best luxury travel crib
• Exceptionally breathable thanks to mesh design
• Pleasing to the eye and functional

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The Nuna Sena crib is the best premium crib I’ve seen, and like most Nuna products (which I often recommend to shoppers seeking premium items), it does not disappoint in the least. The mesh sides and floor are all designed for excellent ventilation, ensuring the comfort and safety of your baby. It folds and closes with one hand, even with a bassinet attached. Lastly, it is made of premium materials. You can’t go wrong with this one, especially if you “amortize” the cost over several kids!

By the way, if you’re also looking for a crib for the home, I have a review of the best cribs that might interest you.